Past Achievements, Present Gaps, and Future Priorities in Pneumocystis jirovecii Research: A Global Bibliometric Analysis
A new study published in Pathogens provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of more than a century of research on Pneumocystis jirovecii. By examining global publication trends, collaboration networks, funding patterns, and the evolution of research priorities, the study highlights major achievements in the field while identifying persistent knowledge gaps and geographical inequalities that should guide future research efforts.
Members of the COST Action CA23142 – Delve-into-Pneumocystis network have published a new study in Pathogens providing a comprehensive overview of the evolution of global research on Pneumocystis jirovecii.
Using a bibliometric approach, the authors analysed 27,396 scientific publications published between 1916 and 2025, examining temporal trends, authorship and collaboration networks, institutional productivity, funding sources, journal distribution, and the evolution of major research topics.
The study shows how Pneumocystis research has evolved substantially over the past century. Scientific activity initially expanded in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and later diversified with advances in molecular diagnostics, the taxonomic reclassification of Pneumocystis, and growing recognition of Pneumocystis pneumonia in non-HIV immunocompromised populations.
Despite this progress, important gaps remain. The analysis highlights persistent inequalities in scientific production and international collaboration, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries, as well as continued underinvestment in Pneumocystis research.
By mapping past achievements and current research gaps, this work provides a valuable framework for identifying future priorities and strengthening international collaboration in the field of P. jirovecii research.
Article reference
Ortiz B, Muñoz-Tabora J, Aguilar K, et al.
Past Achievements, Present Gaps, and Future Priorities in Pneumocystis jirovecii Research: A Global Bibliometric Analysis.
Pathogens. 2026;15(5):530.
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens15050530
